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The federal government has appointed technical experts and consultants for a scoping study into the suitability of Wilton as a site for a second Sydney Airport.
The study, expected to take six months, will include detailed economic, social and environmental studies of the site, located some 80km southwest of Sydney CBD.
“The main purpose of the study is to identify as early as possible the challenges and the opportunities of any airport development,” federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement. “It is important that a proper investigation take place prior to any final decisions being made.”
Mr Albanese added that he had written to local governments and Members of Parliament advising them of the study and was “determined to make sure there is proper consultation and engagement with the community.”
Past studies of Wilton as a possible airport site have raised concerns, including over the possible contamination of water catchments. But the site has emerged as the government’s top option following the release of a study earlier this year predicting “aircraft deadlock” at the current Sydney Airport within a decade and dire long-term economic consequences if a second airport isn’t built.
The issue remains highly contentious, however, with New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell having vowed to oppose the construction of a second airport anywhere in the state.
According to the statement, the following consultants have been appointed for the Wilton study:
- WorleyParsons, in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Airport Master Planning consultants, will conduct a detailed assessment of environmental and infrastructure aspects near Wilton;
- Ernst and Young will conduct a thorough examination of the scale and nature of impacts of an airport development on the surrounding Wilton and Richmond communities, including factors such as aircraft noise, opportunities for employment and infrastructure investment; and
- Both of these studies will be supported by passenger demand analysis undertaken by Booz and Company.
random
says:It’s still not clear why Wilton is the favoured site, particularly when local and state authorities don’t want it placed there?
Further to that, the Central Coast Council actually wants the airport, and has existing adjacent transport infrastructure, yet is being ignored.
There is obviously much more to this than is being fed to “Joe Public” right now…..
pez
says:So the Fedral Minister for Transport has his electorate covering the busiest airport in the country…….and instead of looking to maximise the use of the existing infrastructure, they just go straight to “Plan B”? gee…..I wonder why. How about, increase KSA while working on a longer term solution?
I should say though, it’s not just Albanese that’s guilty of “political BS” as far as the 2nd Sydney airport goes. O’Farrell needs to get his head straight on the whole issue.